Common Prenatal Screening Tests
Every pregnancy is different, be sure to talk with your doctor about prenatal testing and which tests make sense for you. Check with your insurance plan to determine which prenatal tests are covered.
- Standard Blood Test: Between 1-6 weeks, screens for HIV, sexually transmitted diseases, anemia, diabetes, preeclampsia and hepatitis B. Also looks for an Rh factor protein. To learn more about Rh factor protein go to www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-complications/rh-factor/.
- Standard Urine Tests: Reoccurring throughout pregnancy, tests for blood sugar, urinary tract infections and excess protein.
- Standard Pap Smear: Between 1-8 weeks, performed to check risk for cervical cancer or any sexually transmitted diseases to determine risk factors for premature birth.
- Vaginal Ultrasound (optional): Between 6-12 weeks, used to determine stage of pregnancy, indication of heartbeat and/or presence of an ectopic pregnancy.
- First Semester Screening (optional): Between 11-13 weeks, combined with a Nuchal Translucency Scan, which look for the clear space in the baby’s neck region, and a blood test, checks for risks of chromosomal abnormalities like Trisomy 13 and 18.
- CVS & CMA Genetic Testing (optional): Screens for all chromosomal abnormalities and several other genetic disorders. Usually performed between 10-20 weeks.
- Quad Screen Blood Test (optional): Between 15-20 weeks, determines baby’s risk for neural tube defects and chromosomal abnormalities.
- Amniocentesis (optional): A sample of amniotic fluid is taken to determine neural tube defects and genetic disorders. Usually performed between 16-20 weeks.
- Standard Ultrasound: Between 16-20 weeks, checks baby’s heartbeat, location of the placenta, physical abnormalities, size of baby, amount of amniotic fluid and, if you wish to know, the baby’s gender.
- PreTRM Test (optional): Between 19-20 weeks, determines risk of preterm labor, or labor before 37 weeks.
- Standard Group B Strep Test: Between 35-37 weeks, a vaginal swab that checks for Group B Strep bacteria. For more information on Group B Strep go to www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-complications/group-b-strep-infection/.